What About a Rehearsal the Same Day as the Wedding?
Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner or welcome party for guests can already feel confusing, but lately a new trend has been stirring up questions: what if the wedding’s rehearsal happens on the same day as the wedding? Couples are hearing mixed advice, families are unsure how to plan, and wedding vendors themselves are divided.
We’re digging in and walking you through the pros and cons of a same-day wedding rehearsal, sharing advice from trusted wedding professionals, and giving you expert tips so you know whether this option could work for your celebration.
When it comes to our tips and advice for all things rehearsal dinner, we typically will give you our recommendation for the best thing to do. But in this case, it really is personal preference, what works for your wedding style and your individual wedding weekend timeline. There’s no right or wrong here, even the wedding experts are divided. They could go either way and make a case for each side. So, we’re going to present you with what the vendors have to say so that you can evaluate your options and make the best decision for your wedding weekend.
Photo credit: Melani Lust Photography from this charming beer crawl rehearsal dinner
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Whether you are the couple, the groom’s parents, family of the couples, or close friends planning the pre-wedding celebration, we hope this advice helps you make the best choice for your wedding day timeline.
Here we go! Should you have a wedding rehearsal the same day as your wedding ceremony? Let’s get into it…
Why Same-Day Wedding Rehearsals Are Trending
Traditionally, the wedding rehearsal is held the day before the wedding, followed by a rehearsal dinner or welcome party that same night. Then, the next day is the wedding ceremony followed by a reception. (Hence why the rehearsal dinner is often referred to as “the night before.”)
Then if you want to make a whole weekend out of it, some type of going away brunch or farewell reception is held the day after the wedding ceremony and reception day. This 3-day festivity if commonly called a traditional wedding weekend with rehearsal dinner and welcome party on day one, wedding ceremony and reception on day two, and a farewell reception on day three.
But with busy schedules, packed travel calendars, wedding costs on the rise, and venue availability issues, more and more engaged couples are considering the idea of a same-day wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and reception.
From the outside, it sounds simple: rehearse in the morning, get married in the afternoon, and celebrate into the night. But as you’ll see, it’s not always that straightforward.
Let’s look at what the wedding industry experts have to say about why rehearsing and getting married on the same day is or isn’t a good idea....
The Pros of a Same-Day Wedding Rehearsal
Nora Sheils, co-founder of Rock Paper Coin and founder of Bridal Bliss, points out that a same-day rehearsal means less back-and-forth for the wedding party. Everything is fresh in everyone’s mind, and no one has to worry about juggling multiple trips to the venue.
Tracy Autem, owner of Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography, adds that eliminating the night-before dinner or event can take pressure off couples who are already feeling stretched thin. Sometimes it’s easier to keep everything streamlined into one day.
For Ian Ramirez of Madera Estates, the biggest selling point is practicality. His team “emphatically” recommends same-day rehearsals because it guarantees the venue is available. Many popular venues are booked solid with events, which makes securing the space the day before difficult.
Deliece Knights, founder and CEO of Dhalia Events LLC, also sees an unexpected advantage. She notes that the tight schedule of a same-day rehearsal can actually keep participants more focused and less distracted - something many couples appreciate when time is limited.
If you want to understand more about how traditional rehearsal dinners are usually planned, take a look at our guide on who hosts and pays for the rehearsal dinner.
The Cons of a Same-Day Wedding Rehearsal
Carin Hunt, CEO of Celebration Pros, cautions that the wedding party may struggle to be fully present if the rehearsal is crammed into the wedding day. With so much happening at once, the rehearsal can easily get overshadowed.
Nora Sheils reminds couples that rehearsals often double as a social hour. Guests want to catch up, families meet for the first time, and before you know it, the rehearsal has run longer than expected - leaving you behind schedule on the very day you cannot afford delays.
We’ve seen firsthand how rehearsal dinners often turn into a lively pre-party. If you’re looking for inspiration to make yours both fun and organized, check out our roundup of the best rehearsal dinner themes.
Sarah Blessinger of Kindred Weddings and Events emphasizes the rehearsal’s role as a troubleshooting opportunity. If something goes wrong, like missing attire or flower issues, there’s very little time to fix it with both events on the same day.
And perhaps the biggest risk comes from Deliece Knights, who warns that if the wedding day runs late, the rehearsal can be “heavily truncated or cut altogether.” For couples who view the rehearsal dinner as an essential kickoff to the wedding, that can be a major disappointment.
Is a Same-Day Rehearsal More Cost-Effective?
Budget is always top of mind when planning a wedding rehearsal dinner.
Nichole Heid, owner of Studio Nichole Photography, notes that same-day rehearsals can help couples save money on venues and vendors, since everything is handled in one place on one day.
But Samantha Leenheer, creative director of House of Joy, points out that couples shouldn’t assume a night-before rehearsal has to be expensive. Rehearsals can take place in hotels, parks, or casual spaces, making them just as cost-friendly as a same-day option.
The truth is, either choice can work for your budget. The key is creativity and flexibility.
For more creative ways to keep your pre-wedding celebration affordable, take a look at our guide on how much to spend on the wedding rehearsal dinner.
Photo credit: Sarah Bradshaw from this Italian-inspired rehearsal dinner
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
What Wedding Professionals Recommend
When it comes to definitively recommending one way or the other on having a wedding rehearsal and ceremony on the same day or not, this is where the wedding industry splits.
Thomas Waters, owner and event planner for The Renaissance, is firm in his stance: “adding a rehearsal to the already stressful day is a recipe for disaster that can be easily averted by sticking to the golden rule of a rehearsal before the day of the wedding.”
Keith Willard of Keith Willard Events agrees that a day-before rehearsal is often best, even if some people can’t make it. A partial rehearsal, he explains, is usually better than no rehearsal at all.
Still, not every expert rules out the same-day option. Siobhan Healy of Siobhan Stanton Photography explains that for destination weddings or venues with limited availability, a same-day rehearsal might be the only realistic choice.
If You Choose a Same-Day Rehearsal, Here’s What to Know
If you’ve decided a same-day rehearsal is the right fit, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Keith Willard encourages couples to think carefully about whether they’re comfortable seeing each other before the ceremony. If not, you’ll need to be extra strategic with timing and logistics.
Carin Hunt recommends padding your wedding day timeline before and after the rehearsal so you’re not rushed. Sarah Blessinger suggests budgeting a full hour for the rehearsal, since it often takes longer than expected.
Jamie Chang, owner of Mango Muse Events, recommends scheduling the rehearsal earlier in the day to give yourself time to adjust if delays happen. A cushion in the schedule is key to keeping stress low.
To help structure your timeline and reduce stress, explore our advice on the perfect rehearsal dinner timeline and information on how long your rehearsal dinner should last.
FAQ: Same-Day Wedding Rehearsal, Ceremony & Reception
Here are some quick answers to common questions about same-day rehearsals.
Is it normal to do a wedding rehearsal on the same day as the wedding?
It’s becoming more common, especially for destination weddings or when venues aren’t available the day before.
Does a same-day rehearsal replace the rehearsal dinner?
Not necessarily. Some couples still plan a casual wedding welcome party or dinner for guests on the night before or after the rehearsal, even if the walk-through happens that morning.
What’s the biggest risk of a same-day rehearsal?
Timing. If the wedding day runs late or guests arrive distracted, the rehearsal may be rushed or skipped. You also don’t give yourself much time to fix any issues or complications that might come up during rehearsal.
How can I make a same-day rehearsal run smoothly?
Schedule extra time, plan it earlier in the day, and keep expectations realistic.
Recap: Should You Do a Same-Day Wedding Rehearsal?
A same-day wedding rehearsal can save time, money, and stress for some couples, especially when venue schedules or destination wedding logistics make it necessary, such as everyone traveling to your wedding.
But it also comes with real risks, like less time to troubleshoot and the possibility of running behind schedule.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If you value tradition, a day-before rehearsal and rehearsal dinner may be best. If convenience is more important, a same-day rehearsal can work with the right planning. Either way, the goal is the same: a smooth wedding ceremony and a joyful pre-wedding celebration.
Ready to Plan Your Rehearsal?
Whether you go with a same-day rehearsal or stick with the day-before tradition, Let’s Get Rehearsed has everything you need to make the planning stress-free. Browse our shop for rehearsal dinner invitations, signs, place cards, menus, and digital planning tools designed specifically for wedding rehearsals and welcome parties.
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